The Switch Axe is one of the most intricately dynamic weapons featured in the Monster Hunter series. In Monster Hunter Wilds, this weapon has seen a comprehensive redesign of its combat mechanics. Players wielding the Switch Axe can now manage two distinct bars for each of its forms, unlocking powerful elemental bonuses and devastating finishing moves when fully charged.
While the fundamental approach to using the Switch Axe is relatively straightforward, there’s a depth of strategy that goes beyond mere switching in the midst of combos. This guide delves into the distinctive mechanics associated with this versatile weapon, detailing how to generate and utilize its three essential gauges, outlining the complete moveset, and providing optimal combo strategies. Equip yourself with these insightful tips and maximize your potential with the Switch Axe in Monster Hunter Wilds.
Understanding Switch Axe Mechanics & Playstyle
Mechanics of the Switch Axe in Monster Hunter Wilds
In Monster Hunter Wilds, the Switch Axe can be transformed into Axe Form and Sword Form. When attacking in Axe Form, the yellow Switch Gauge located below your stamina bar gradually builds. Once filled past a designated threshold, you can transition into Sword Form. An increased Switch Gauge allows for extended attacks while in Sword Form, thereby charging the red Amp Meter.
- Axe Form: Although attacks are slower, this mode allows for agile movement and access to the Offset Rising Slash, which can parry enemy attacks.
- Sword Form: While it reduces mobility and reach, Sword Form facilitates quick slashing strikes that deliver significant damage and opens up access to potent finishing moves.
The key to mastering the Switch Axe lies in efficiently alternating between these two forms to fully harness the red Amp Meter and unleash devastating elemental attacks.
Take some time in the Training Area to familiarize yourself with the fluid combination of switching forms and preparing for powerful elemental finishers. Although the weapon rotation is simpler compared to some of the more complex options available in Monster Hunter Wilds, it requires careful attention to your Switch Gauge and Amp Gauge, as well as your positioning during high-commitment combos.
Navigating the Switch, Power Axe, & Amp Gauges
The Switch Axe possesses three vital gauges: the Switch Gauge, Amp Gauge, and Power Axe Gauge.
While utilizing Axe Form, you build the yellow Switch Gauge. In contrast, using Sword Form results in a gradual depletion of the Switch Gauge with each attack. If this meter drops beneath the specified threshold, you will revert to Axe Form. Importantly, every hit in Sword Form contributes to the buildup of the red Amp Gauge, which increases elemental damage while your Sword is active.
Once the Amp Meter reaches its maximum, your Sword attacks will inflict additional damage based on the Phial type of your Switch Axe. You can only execute specific finishers like Full Release Slash and Zero Sum Discharge while the Amp Meter is at full capacity, although explosive attacks such as Element Discharge and Unbridled Slash can still be used if the Switch Gauge has not been drained.
Additionally, the Power Axe Gauge fills as you perform specific heavy attacks in Axe Form (e.g., a Heavy Slam following Wild Swing).When this meter turns orange, your Axe attacks deal increased damage and accelerate the building of the Switch Gauge.
Exploring Switch Axe Phials
Each Switch Axe is equipped with a Phial type that enhances elemental damage when the Amp Meter is fully charged. The Phial also dictates the damage characteristics of elemental finishing moves, such as Unbridled Slash and Zero Sum Discharge. There are six possible Phial types:
- Power Phial: Inflicts explosive damage.
- Element Phial: Delivers elemental damage.
- Poison Phial: Increases poison status effect.
- Paralysis Phial: Induces paralysis status effect.
- Dragon Phial: Causes dragon elemental damage.
- Exhaust Phial: Builds stun status.
Complete Moveset for the Switch Axe in Monster Hunter Wilds
To switch between Axe Form and Sword Form, press R2 (RT).Ensure that your Switch Gauge surpasses the white marker to activate Sword Form. You can perform the switch by pressing R2 (RT) while stationary or by pressing it following an attack to initiate a Morph attack that transitions into the alternate form while dealing damage simultaneously.
For targeting specific parts of a monster’s body, use L2 (LT) to engage Focus Mode in either form. When targeting exposed wounds, pressing R1 (RB) will trigger a rapid Morph Slash attack, which is ideal for damaging vulnerable spots.
Axe Form Attacks
| Attack Name | Description | PS Input | Xbox Input |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overhead Slash | A top-down swing capable of chaining three times. | △ | AND |
| Wild Swing | A sweeping strike that can be chained indefinitely. | THE | B |
| Offset Rising Slash | A powerful uppercut-like slash that can parry monster attacks. | △ + O | Y + B |
| Forward Slash | Dashes a short distance while striking. | Move forward + O | Move forward + B |
| Fade Slash | An upward slash followed by a backward step. | Move backward + O | Move backward + B |
| Forward Overhead Slash | An overhead strike while moving forward. | O while moving forward | B while moving forward |
Sword Form Attacks
| Attack Name | Description | PS Input | Xbox Input |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overhead Slash | Can target specific body parts and perform chain attacks. | △ | AND |
| Double Slash | A sweeping attack that can chain twice. | THE | B |
| Counter Rising Slash | A strong uppercut that can parry enemy assaults. | R2 + △ | RT + Y |
| Element Discharge | Strikes forward with the sword releasing elemental damage while mashing △ (Y). | △ + O, then mash △ | Y + B, then mash Y |
| Zero Sum Discharge | Initiates elemental damage followed by mounting the target (requires a full amp meter). | Hold △ + O | |
| Full Release Slash | A two-hit powerful slash that consumes the Amp Gauge fully, available for charging. | R2 + △ + O | RT + Y + B |
| Unbridled Slash | A two-hit powerful strike that reduces the Amp Gauge. | Press R2 after an Element Discharge | Press RT after an Element Discharge |
Optimal Switch Axe Combos
- Axe Form: Wild Swing > Wild Swing > Heavy Slam
- Initiate with O (B) three times, followed by △ (Y) to execute a Heavy Slam and enhance the Axe Power Gauge.
- Morph Combo: Overhead Slash > Side Slash > Spiral Burst Slash > Morph > Double Slash > Heavenward Flurry
- Press △ (Y) three times, morph using R2 (RT), then press O (B) twice for substantial gains in the Switch Gauge and Amp Gauge.
- Sword Finisher: Element Discharge > Element Discharge Finisher > Unbridled Slash OR Full Release Slash
- Execute using △ + O (Y + B), mash △ (Y) for the finisher, then immediately hold R2 (RT) for an Unbridled Slash follow-up.
- If the Amp Meter and Power Axe meters are still fully charged, hold R2 + △ + O (RT + Y + B) for a charged Full Release Slash for maximum damage.
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